Weekend Planner: Talk

“This is how voter suppression works today,” stated the New York Times in an editorial last month: “In an ostensible hunt for voter fraud, a Tea Party group, True the Vote, descends on a largely minority precinct and combs the registration records for the slightest misspelling or address error. It uses this information to challenge voters at the polls, and though almost every challenge is baseless, the arguments and delays frustrate those in line and reduce turnout.” Voter suppression can also take the form of requirements that voters present proof of citizenship, shortening of early voting time periods, repeal of Election Day registration laws and making it more difficult for third-party organizations to register voters. (In Massachusetts, three districts have introduced resolutions supporting legislation requiring voters to show a photo ID.)

In an appearance sponsored by the Amherst League of Women Voters tonight at the Jones Library in Amherst, William C. (Bill) Newman of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts will speak on “Assault on Democracy: Voter Suppression in America 2012.” 7 p.m. Refreshments served starting 6:30.